AMES, Iowa -- The most successful private fund-raising campaign in Iowa State history ended this summer with a record amount of support provided by ISU faculty and staff.

The ISU Foundations Campaign Destiny: To Become the Best raised $458.6 million in outright and deferred gifts, including $14.2 million from current and retired faculty and staff.

Two couples were campaign volunteer co-chairs:
o Tahira Hira, associate vice provost for extension, and Labh Hira, associate dean for the College of Business
o Agatha Burnet, professor emerita, department of textiles and clothing, and George Burnet, distinguished professor emeritus, College of Engineering.

More than 100 on-campus employees and retirees gave group presentations and encouraged coworkers to support the effort.

"The success of Campaign Destiny's Drive From Within showcases to our alumni and friends that we believe in our destiny  to become the best land-grant institution in the nation  in more than just words but also with our actions and dollars," said co-chair Tahira Hira.

High participation was the key to the drive's success, noted ISU Foundation President Tom Mitchell.

"More than half of Iowa State's employees and retirees donated to the Drive From Within. They contributed to virtually every area of the university. Their record-setting giving was a strong show of internal support and a significant factor motivating ISU alumni and friends also to give generously to Campaign Destiny," Mitchell said.

"And in making their gifts, individuals opted not only to give cash and make pledges but also to establish long-term support through estates, trusts and property provisions. The generosity is truly over-whelming," Mitchell said.